Writers, Public Encouraged to Change the Culture

By Becca Anderson
Special to ASSIST News Service 

LANSDALE/LANGHORNE PA (ANS) -- From August 10-13, 2011l hundreds of writers will gather at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference at Philadelphia Biblical University, Langhorne, PA, and many of the most important sessions of the conference are open to the public free of charge.

Marlene Bagnull

"We live in a time when we need to be both encouraged and challenged," said conference director Marlene Bagnull. "The sessions open to the public address issues of transforming our culture for the better, reaching out to impact the world for the better, and sobering reports of Christian persecution worldwide."

The conference theme is "Write His Answer," taken from Habakkuk 2:2. Each day of the conference includes general sessions.

Thursday, August 11, Dr. Ted Baehr, publisher of MOVIEGUIDE® Magazine will deliver the keynote address at 8:30 a.m. entitled "You Can Help Transform the Culture."

At 7:30 p.m. that evening, Liz Babbs from Great Britain will share how to "Write His Answer in an Age of Opposition." Babbs has developed innovative and effective ways to impact her culture.

Best-selling author, Cec Murphey

Bestselling author Cec Murphey speaks at 8:30 a.m. Friday, August 12, on "Write His Answer . . . Transparently." Author of over 100 books, including 90 Minutes in Heaven, Murphey is known for his ability to write with vulnerability and truth. He will also give an encouraging message to struggling writers, "Write His Answer . . . and Don't Give Up," on Saturday at 4:00 pm.

Friday evening at 7:30, Dan Wooding, founder of the ASSIST News Service, will speak about the persecution of Christians. There are an estimated 100 million Christians worldwide who suffer interrogation, arrest and even death for their faith in Christ. Wooding will share stories and insights into how writers can make a difference for the persecuted church.

Saturday, August 13 at 8:30 a.m., various faculty members and conferees will bring brief but important messages on "Write His Answer to Issues that Concern You."

Two of the speakers: Dan Wooding interviews Dr. Ted Baehr as Wooding's son, Peter, films in Hollywood

In addition to the general sessions, seminars that are unique to this conference will focus on the issues of our day. They are open to conferees as well as the community.

On Thursday from 1:00 - 4:30 pm those who are concerned about human trafficking, orphans, abortion, the poor, racism, the learning impaired, the handicapped, the hungry and so much more that is close to the heart and call of Jesus are encouraged to register for the "Who Is My Neighbor?" seminar led by Steven Lawson, Senior Editor of Regal Publishing Group.

Rick Marschall

From 1:00 - 4:30 pm on Friday, Rick Marschall, author or editor of more than 60 books and a columnist for the ASSIST News Service, will talk about how we are living during a time of unprecedented moral decay and decline in the biblical standards our nation was founded upon. Participants in his "Help Save Our Nation!" seminar will be challenged and equipped to defend our cultural and spiritual heritage.

Saturday, from 10:30 am to noon, Dan Wooding will bring up-to-date news from the world's hot spots of Christian persecution and encourage attendees to become "a voice for the voiceless."

For 28 years, the GPCWC has offered an intensive education packed into a few days for writers throughout the tri-state area and beyond. In addition to general sessions and the eight continuing sessions, attendees will select from among 60 workshops on topics ranging from marketing to technique, getting published, issues inherent in the writer's life, and writing fiction and nonfiction books and articles for adults and children.

Earlybird Workshops on Wednesday, August 10, include a two-part clinic with web designer Jerry Thompson on creating a website. Attendees will leave the sessions with a website ready to use. (Additional cost and advance preparation needed for this clinic.) Other Earlybird workshops include sessions on making money by blogging, E-publishing, ethics in non-fiction writing, and how writers can make the most of meetings at the conference with editors and publishers.

Face-to-face meetings between writers and those who are in the market for what they produce are invaluable in opening publication doors. GPCWC emphasizes such meetings, with each full-conference attendee having four 15-minute appointments to pitch their work to editors, agents and publisher representatives. Many published writers trace their first big sale back to a meeting at a conference. A roster of 65 faculty members will share their hard-won wisdom.

Full details regarding the conference are available on the website, www.writehisanswer.com/Philadelphia, including information on costs, housing, biographies of all faculty members and their current editorial needs, and descriptions of all sessions. A brochure can be printed from the website, or writers can call 484-991-8581.

To see Cec Murphey's introduction to the conference, please go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsK3JWz8cq4&feature=youtu.be

---

Becca Anderson is a freelance writer from East Texas. She can be reached via her website,www.beccathewriter.com.